Asexual reproduction In organisms

Asexual spores

Spore Formation Spores are single specialized cells produced by some organisms. They can look very differently from one organism to the other. They can be produced by mitosis or meiosis. Asexual spores (mitosis) are used for reproduction in algae, fungi and some protozoa. They are released from a single structure in large numbers.

Vegetative Reproduction Most plants reproduce sexually But asexual reproduction of stems, leaves and roots is also common. Roots, stems, leaves are vegetative structures. Some vegetative structures can give rise to new plants.

Runners Stems that grow sideways along the ground. It has buds, which give rise to new full plants.

Bulbs and Tubers Bulb: underground stem surrounded by leaves storing food. Tuber: underground stem that contains stored food. Rhizome: Stems growing underground sideways and it also stores food.

Budding The parent organism divides in two unequal parts. Budding in Yeast: the yeast cell reaches a certain size and the cell divides unequally forming a bud Budding in Hydra: Hydras are made of several kinds of cells. A small complete hydra buds from the side of the adult from undifferentiated cells.

Budding in yeast

Budding in Hydra